A right-sided headache is typically caused by a blow to the head, migraine, ear infections, or temporomandibular dysfunction. In more serious cases, however, a right-sided headache may be a sign of glaucoma or a brain tumor.
Depending on the cause, headache may be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, fever, and redness of the eye.
It is important to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider if you experience a right-sided headache, especially if the headaches are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms. Treatment will depend on the cause of the headache and may involve the use of eye drops or other medications like analgesics (pain relievers) and antibiotics. Surgery may be indicated in some cases.
Common causes
The main causes of a right-sided headache are:
1. A blow to the head
A right-sided headache is common after receiving a blow to the head on that side. While bumping your head usually does not cause other symptoms besides a small amount of localized pain and swelling, some people may experience dizziness or difficulties with sleep or concentration.
What to do: this type of headache should improve after a couple of days. However, it is recommended to seek medical attention for a severe headache or a headache that is not going away so that a doctor can rule out the possibility of a concussion. Analgesics (pain relievers) like paracetamol may be indicated for pain.
2. Migraine
Migraine can be the cause of a right-sided headache in some people and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.
Migraine headaches tend to be recurring and are typically characterized by a throbbing pain that worsens with abrupt movement of the head. See other causes of a throbbing headache.
What to do: Consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you think you might be experiencing migraine. Neurologists are doctors that specialize in the treatment of headaches and other neurological conditions. Treatment typically involves analgesics like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen or other migraine-specific medications like triptans and dihydroergotamine for acute attacks. Your doctor may also recommend preventive therapy with other medications such as antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications and beta blockers.
Regular physical activity, good sleep hygiene, staying hydrated, and eating at regular intervals may also help prevent migraine attacks.
Also recommended: 9 Classic Migraine Symptoms (& Who is Most At-Risk) tuasaude.com/en/migraine-symptoms3. Acute otitis media
A right-sided headache can develop as a result of inflammation from acute otitis media (middle ear infection) of the right ear. Common symptoms of an ear infection include fever and drainage of yellow fluid from the ear.
What to do: Call your doctor or healthcare provider if you suspect you might have an ear infection. Treatment may consist of antibiotics, antipyretics (fever reducing medications), and analgesics.
4. Temporomandibular dysfunction
Temporomandibular dysfunction refers to abnormal functioning of the jaw joint that can cause right-sided headaches when the joint on that side is affected.
Pain may be felt in the joint, the ear, or alongside the eye, and is usually worse with movement of the jaw or pressing on the joint. People with temporomandibular dysfunction often present with difficulties opening and closing their mouths.
What to do: Tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. First line therapies typically include analgesics and physiotherapy to relieve symptoms.
Other stress-reducing methods may be recommended to improve the pain, such as getting enough sleep and exercising regularly.
Read more about TMJ treatment that your doctor may consider.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma, when it develops in the right eye, can sometimes cause sudden pain on the right side of the head, especially in the region of the affected eye. In the case of glaucoma other symptoms are likely to occur, such as redness of the eye, blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting.
What to do: It is important to consult an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) if you have symptoms of glaucoma. Treatment may involve eye drops to reduce pressure in the eye and, in more severe cases, surgery. Early treatment of glaucoma (as soon as symptoms are recognized) is important in order to prevent vision loss.
6. Brain tumor
While rare, a right-sided headache may sometimes be caused by a brain tumor. In this case, other symptoms are likely to occur, such as seizures, nausea, vomiting, weakness in parts of the body, and temporary loss of vision. Learn more about brain tumor symptoms.
What to do: Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a brain tumor. You will likely be referred to a neurologist or neurosurgeon for further workup, which may include imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If the diagnosis of a brain tumor is confirmed, headaches will typically improve with treatment of the tumor, which may involve surgery or chemotherapy.
Consulting a specialist
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in neurological conditions, including headaches. They can perform a neuro exam and order imaging tests such as an MRI to rule out more serious causes of headache such as brain tumors. Workup for a headache may begin with your primary care provider, followed by a referral to a neurologist.
Based on the results of the workup, your primary care provider or neurologist may refer you to other specialties, such as otolaryngology (ENT), orthopedics, or ophthalmology, in order to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.